The conops are the documents that completely describe the USC competition. Everything from rules to scoring.
The complete document can be found here: https://www.unmannedsystems.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2021-USC-Student-Competition-CONOPS-and-Rules_V1.1_01Oct20.pdf
Overview
The competition consists of 2 tasks. In each, we will be given a fixed time to do as much of the task as we can. We by no means have to try to do everything, we don’t even have to do both tasks. Things are worth points, and the team with the most points wins.
Timeline
Register online by the 9th of November 2020.
Phase 1: A design report due the 12th of January 2021
Submit list of team members attending competition by 26 March 2021
Submit proof of lfight video by 11 April 2021
Phase 2: The actual competition, happening April 30th –May 2nd in Southport, Manitoba
Task 1: (30-45 mins)
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Enter the depot and identify via a qr code, which package is ours. This can be done manually but max points awarded for autonomously.
Attach the package to our aircraft. Again, this can be done manually but max points awarded for autonomously.
Fly as many times as possible, in the given time around some set course (the more laps the better). A map will be given to us at the briefing to tell us about the course, but we will also have to fly right over certain way points (pylons) for max points.
Once we complete enough laps, travel to the clinic and remotely release the package. There are 2 possible targets, one inside a tent, and one outside. To reach the one inside, we would need a ground vehicle to transport the package. this ground vehicle may either be carried by the aircraft, or be placed at the depot ahead of time (worth less points). The most points are awarded for a package dropped off completely inside the lines. Both targets are a 50 cm square that looks like this:
5. Return home and land safely.
Task 2: (30-45 mins)
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Fly from the launch location to a remote depot.
At the depot, identify via a QR code, which package needs to go to what clinic. This may not be done manually. If our aircraft can’t do it, we’d be delivering each package randomly, without knowing each’s intended destination.
Attach the package to the aircraft. We can position a team member at the depot to do this manually, but max points awarded for doing things autonomously.
Fly the package directly to a clinic, then return to pick up the next one.
Do this for all packages, and as many bonus packages as desired.
Return to land safely at the takeoff location.
Terrain + tent layout
Depots and Clinics will be tents, approximately 10’x10’ by 8’ tall; one full side of the tent will be open. The terrain at Depots and Clinics will be hard surface (tarmac/cement), both inside the tent and outside, including a straight surface of at least 100m length having good approaches at both ends. This straight surface will not necessarily be oriented per wind direction. Maps provided at the competition will reference the Clinics and Depots by GPS-derived lat/long and/or Google Maps-based visual reference to satellite imagery.
Payload
For both Tasks, packages will be made of cardboard, weigh between 0.5 and 1.0 pounds, and have dimensions of 4x4x4 inches. They will be covered by a layer of packing tape. Here is a link to the exact packages that will be used.
Design constraints
Maximum takeoff weight (not including payload) 10 Kg
Aircraft must have a flight termination system to end flight safely.
Aircraft must be painted with a bright color and display our team name
Team size
Max 5 People on the flight deck
As any as we want can attend the competition though
The person who will be placed at the depot in task 2 does not count towards the 5 person limit.
Safety constraints (These mechanisms will be checked pre-flight):
Must be equipped with a kill switch that can be activated remotely or automatically
The action of killing must be controlled (parachute or max flaps + max elevator aerodynamic panic).
If flight termination system breaks, the aircraft should have terminated flight already, i.e. fail in a safe state
In case of a crash, we need to have a corrective action plan, explaining what has been done differently, before being allowed to fly again.
There must be an electrical or mechanical way to prevent propellers from spinning before takeoff.
We will be asked to demonstrate fly-by, circling and controlled landing prior to flight.
The main pilot must hold an advanced RPAS certificate.
Miscellaneous
We cannot turn on our transmitters before our flight window. The judges recommend we use a wired connection to test things.